Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a general Zookeeper with a bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal science, or zoology plus two years of paid animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility—or an Associate’s degree with three years of paid experience at such a facility. The Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to create inspiring memories by connecting people and animals while protecting wild animals and wild places. As the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually, Reid Park Zoo is embarking on an exciting master plan with over $60M being invested in new exhibits over the next ten years. No phone calls or visits, please; this position is open until filled. Reid Park Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Overview

The successful candidate will be hard-working, detail-oriented, and dedicated to progressive animal care and welfare. Animal care responsibilities include behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, enrichment, cleaning, and collaborating with the welfare committee as well as the supervisory and veterinary teams. Daily record keeping—covering reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records, and area notes—is essential. This position will operate in various animal areas and multiple taxa, reporting directly to the Animal Care Supervisor.

Animal Care Responsibilities

This role involves caring for multiple species, including capybara, goats, ruffed lemurs, Southern screamers, rheas, Abdim’s storks, Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises, and an American alligator. Experience with avian species is desirable, particularly in mixed-species aviaries; the candidate may be cross-trained in the Bird area, managing a flamingo flock along with over 50 different avian species housed in mixed-species walkthrough aviaries.

Essential Job Duties

• Daily cleaning of animal night houses, habitats, and visitor viewing areas.
• Husbandry care including feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and species-specific care.

Other Job Duties

• Complete daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, and animal incident reports.
• Develop and implement enrichment activities per AZA guidelines and department protocols.
• Train using positive reinforcement to support animal management and visitor education.
• Monitor animal welfare and report concerns to the supervisor.
• Follow all animal care protocols and policies.
• Assist in training new staff and mentoring volunteers.
• Complete all required training.
• Adapt to variable shift work as needed.

Communication

• Participate in formal presentations such as Keeper talks, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Answer visitor questions regarding animals, conservation, and zoo operations.

Health & Safety

• Assist with the capture, chemical/physical restraint, and transportation of animals.
• Participate in emergency drills and respond to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
• Maintain proficiency with darting equipment and firearms if selected for the safety team; willingness to serve on the safety team is required.
• Stay current on required vaccinations.

Administrative Functions

• Perform duties according to RPZS policies, including expense reports and cash handling procedures.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain animal records using various software programs, such as Animal Care Software and ZIMS.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal science, or zoology plus two years of paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility, or an Associate’s degree with three years of such experience.
• COVID booster acquired after September 2022.
• Willingness to undertake an annual TB skin test (AZA requirement).
• Valid driver’s license and regular physical attendance at work.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, with assignments that involve inherent hazards of caring for exotic and dangerous animals.
• Strong critical analysis, customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations tactfully, negotiate conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to organizational protocol.
• Capacity to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others.
• Flexibility to work weekends, special events, and some holidays.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitious hand motions while using power and hand tools.
• This document is not an exhaustive list but provides a reasonable idea of the physical requirements.

The hiring range for this non-exempt position is $17.67–$20.69 per hour, depending on experience. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Reid Park Zoological Society will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants or employees with disabilities unless it causes undue hardship. For accommodation requests, please contact the Human Resources Department.